© Linda De Volder
The yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
MY VIDEO ON YOU TUBE Belgium. Blankenberge sealife center. www.visitsealife.com/blankenberge/ Trachemys has been the most popular turtle in the pet trade between 1989 and 1997. Despite the vast worldwide occurrence of the sliders little is known of their impact on indigenous ecosystems, clearly research and education on the dangers of releasing pet turtles into the wild are needed. Their omnivorous diet and ability to adapt to various habitats, gives them great potential for impacting indigenous habitats. The shelter houses 3 different subspecies of Trachemys, collected in the wild or released to the shelter by their owners. The yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) is a land and water turtle belonging to the family Emydidae. This subspecies of pond slider is native to the southeastern United States, specifically from Florida to southeastern Virginia,[2] and is the most common turtle species in its range.[3] It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including slow-moving rivers, floodplain swamps, marshes, seasonal wetlands, and permanent ponds.[4] Yellow-bellied sliders are popular as pets.
Photo taken on 6 Sep 2013